Repair ‘social fabric’ or risk repeat of summer riots, says No 10
Keir Starmer has warned his cabinet of growing civil unrest if urgent action isn’t taken to restore Britain’s 'fraying' social cohesion. At a recent cabinet awayday, Starmer and Deputy PM Angela Rayner urged ministers to address the rising tensions caused by rapid immigration, stagnant living standards, and strained public services. The warnings follow violent protests in Essex and last summer’s Southport riots, which were fuelled by anger over crime and asylum policies. Starmer emphasised the need to restore trust and improve integration, while Rayner highlighted the deepening impact of economic insecurity and community isolation. Calls are increasing for a stronger focus on law and order, better housing policy, and support for deprived neighbourhoods. As protest activity increases, including threats of far-right involvement, concerns are mounting about the government's ability to defuse tensions. Ministers acknowledge a need for action to prevent further breakdowns in community resilience and unity. The government is now under pressure to balance national security concerns with addressing widespread social discontent.
UK foreign aid cuts to hit Africa hard
The Government has confirmed sweeping cuts to foreign aid, reducing spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income to prioritise defence. The deepest reductions will affect Africa, particularly in vital areas such as children's education, women's health, and water sanitation, raising fears of increased disease and death. Bond, a UK coalition of aid organisations, warned that the most marginalised, especially women and children in conflict-affected regions like South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Somalia, will suffer most. Despite claims of a strategic, targeted review, critics argue the government is deprioritising areas like gender equality and humanitarian crises. The UK will maintain funding for certain multilateral partners, including the World Bank’s International Development Association and the Gavi vaccine alliance, while threatening cuts to underperforming global institutions. Aid advocates call for a renewed commitment to protecting vulnerable lives, accusing ministers of prioritising political interests over human dignity. These cuts come amid public scepticism over aid spending and international calls for the UK to do more, not less.
Small boat people smugglers to have assets frozen and face UK ban
The UK government has announced sweeping new sanctions targeting the global network behind small boat crossings in the Channel. Over 20 individuals and companies involved in people smuggling are expected to be named, including gang leaders, corrupt officials, and suppliers of boats, engines, and forged documents. Sanctioned individuals will face asset freezes and UK bans, making it illegal for UK businesses or banks to work with them. Foreign Secretary David Lammy stated the move aims to hit the 'men in suits' driving this multi-billion-dollar criminal trade. The crackdown includes those using legal money transfer systems, such as Hawala, to finance operations. This comes as the Border Security, Asylum and Immigration Bill moves through Parliament, introducing new offences and counterterror-style powers. A 'one in, one out' pilot with France will also attempt to manage arrivals via safe, legal routes. While challenges remain, the UK is urging its G7 allies to adopt similar sanctions and bolster international resolve against this destructive trade.
Five-day doctor strike will go ahead, says BMA
A five-day strike by resident doctors (formerly known as junior doctors) in England will proceed starting 25 July, following talks between the British Medical Association (BMA) and the Government that failed to produce a resolution. Despite five days of discussion, the BMA stated that no credible offer for pay restoration was made. Health secretary Wes Streeting urged the union to postpone the strike, promising to continue talks, but the BMA maintained that pay remains central to the dispute. The Government offered non-pay improvements, such as exam fee coverage, greater rota transparency, and potential student loan forgiveness, but could not offer further pay increases. Resident doctors received a 5.4% pay rise this year, following a 22% increase over the past two years. However, the BMA argues real-terms pay remains 20% lower than in 2008. NHS England is attempting to limit disruption by restricting the cancellation of non-urgent treatments, a move some doctors warn could jeopardise safety. The strike risks renewed pressure on an already strained health system.
